#MyKenyanStory BY LONE FELIX

MY KENYAN STORY FROM FORMER KENYATTA UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION  (KUSA) PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF #MyKenyanStory Plaform MR. LONE FELIX

LONE FELIX-FORMER KUSA PRESIDENT 2013/14

When we started this initiative of #MyKenyanStory two days ago, we hoped that just a few people would walk with us in a moment of self-reflection. It was, and is not meant to wash away the many problems we face as a nation.

The response has been overwhelming and humbling. From simple stories of people remembering their primary school desk-mates, to acts of kindness from those with whom we shared nothing before. A child whose school fees was paid for by a stranger, a patient airlifted to Nairobi by a stranger, children thrown away by their own families, saved by those with whom they shared no blood relation.
Stories of love 5 years on, that have defeated tribal animosity, and while life is not a rose, they take comfort in having each other.

Humbling stories of extreme resilience, love and care that exceeds the artificiality of political rhetoric.

This has been a journey of people talking
about what affected them, at a personal level. Shaped by their own struggles, not a conversation of political players who create illusions of wars between communities for their own benefit.

Does this sanitize the very sad reality of nepotism still prevalent in our Nation? No. Does this solve inequalities suffered by many? No. But it shows us one strength, that every day, our lives are touched in a beautiful way by those we assume to be enemies.

And that strength, will go a long way in helping us find a solution, and a better nation.

If Kenya has to change for the better, everyone has to stop imagining they have suffered as victims more than others have. We must start from a point of understanding, not fighting. We must start from a position of focusing on what unites us, not on how we are better fighters for justice than others, or how we have a better judgement than others do.

One truth every Kenyan has to face, this nation is better off, when everyone feels part of it. If you feel today that the system works for you, you must have the strength to want those excluded to feel the same way. If you feel the system does not work for you, you must have the humility to know that an ideal nation is not when you take over, but when we are all part of the nation. Yes, all of us, including those you see as exploiters today. They too have a right to the promise of this country, just like you.

Stories of love 5 years on, that have defeated tribal animosity, and while life is not a rose, they take comfort in having each other. 

Humbling stories of extreme resilience, love and care that exceeds the artificiality of political rhetoric.

This has been a journey of people talking about what affected them, at a personal level. Shaped by their own struggles, not a conversation of political players who create illusions of wars between communities for their own benefit.

Does this sanitize the very sad reality of nepotism still prevalent in our Nation? No. Does this solve inequalities suffered by many? No. But it shows us one strength, that every day, our lives are touched in a beautiful way by those we assume to be enemies.

And that strength, will go a long way in helping us find a solution, and a better nation.

If Kenya has to change for the better, everyone has to stop imagining they have suffered as victims more than others have. We must start from a point of understanding, not fighting. We must start from a position of focusing on what unites us, not on how we are better fighters for justice than others, or how we have a better judgement than others do.

One truth every Kenyan has to face, this nation is better off, when everyone feels part of it. If you feel today that the system works for you, you must have the strength to want those excluded to feel the same way. If you feel the system does not work for you, you must have the humility to know that an ideal nation is not when you take over, but when we are all part of the nation. Yes, all of us, including those you see as exploiters today. They too have a right to the promise of this country, just like you. 

This is a view we must all passionately hold, and be prepared to try with every bit to have all see this nation this way, but also prepared to pursue it as individuals, should that be what has to be done.

Thank you to those who continue to share.

This story was developed by Lone Felix (Former Kenyatta University Student Leader-KUSA 2013/14)